Bay of Plenty companies had a win and a runner-up in the Professionalism in Metal Tile Roof Installation category at this year's national Roofing Association of New Zealand Awards in Wellington.
Dave Washer, of Mount Maunganui-based Roofing Systems, had the win, with Trevor Mason of Rotorua's Mason Roofing coming runner-up in a category he won at last year's event.
Roofing Systems won for installing a 680sq m metal tile roof covering two dwellings. Mr Washer said time management on the project with Bay of Plenty's Homebuilders was critical and involved constant juggling, the roof having a high degree of technicality. Features included multiple angles and dormers, sloping soffits, valley flash points, Dutch gable returns, valley exits and hip gable junctions, all installed to a high standard.
Mr Washer has been in Tauranga for 30 years, 26 of those in partnership with the late Mike Berentson, and has seven roofing installers in the company. He said the greatest challenge for the industry was finding people with the right attitude.
Mr Mason, who came runner-up for his work on a project for Complete Roofing Services Tauranga, has been in the business for 21 years. He works with apprentice Brendan Hornell and would love to take on another apprentice. He said the industry needed more roofers who took pride in a job done well. "To win last year and be runner-up this year was amazing."
RANZ chief executive Lorraine Mills said the awards recognised the roofing companies and their installer on a nominated project. "It is gratifying to acknowledge those who demonstrate excellence in their craft and attention to detail."
The overall RANZ Roofing Excellence Award went to David Strudwick of About Roofing, Wanaka.